Are we car enthusiasts being weeded out?

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by superyob

Auslandau, that is sweet! Is it yours?

Yes it is superyob ....... well used and abused though but still scrubs OK

[2011G6E]

I think I'll make a prediction here and say that new Falcons and Commodores will probably never...outside of a niche market of high end builders...be "enthusiast cars", modded and changed around to the extent like we've seen with even early 2000's models of these two vehicles.

Think about it...chock-full of complicated electronic systems controlling everything, engines that can't be easily worked on by a home mechanic beyond a certain point, gearboxes that you daren't touch because of computer controls, interiors of carefully molded plastics that can't really (without a lot of expense) be mucked around with too much...the list goes on. Not to mention the sheer number of ADR's and emissions laws a new car has to meet that mean even changing something simple can easily mean getting it defected off the road in one of the increasingly-strict blitzes the authorities have now.

That's why most "modified" new cars you see are restricted to wheels...maybe a subtle body kit, and possibly a change of paint colour with interior being limited to a better stereo. That's about as far as the vast majority of people go with new cars these days.
Basically, they're such good cars as-is, that most people only make a few cosmetic changes, if anything at all.

And that's why old cars will always be popular...

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

I think I'll make a prediction here and say that new Falcons and Commodores will probably never...outside of a niche market of high end builders...be "enthusiast cars", modded and changed around to the extent like we've seen with even early 2000's models of these two vehicles.

Think about it...chock-full of complicated electronic systems controlling everything, engines that can't be easily worked on by a home mechanic beyond a certain point, gearboxes that you daren't touch because of computer controls, interiors of carefully molded plastics that can't really (without a lot of expense) be mucked around with too much...the list goes on. Not to mention the sheer number of ADR's and emissions laws a new car has to meet that mean even changing something simple can easily mean getting it defected off the road in one of the increasingly-strict blitzes the authorities have now.

That's why most "modified" new cars you see are restricted to wheels...maybe a subtle body kit, and possibly a change of paint colour with interior being limited to a better stereo. That's about as far as the vast majority of people go with new cars these days.
Basically, they're such good cars as-is, that most people only make a few cosmetic changes, if anything at all.

And that's why old cars will always be popular...

bs

knowledge and knowhow always moves with the era of cars

while there is cars, they will be modified

[GQ_Smooth]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

I think I'll make a prediction here and say that new Falcons and Commodores will probably never...outside of a niche market of high end builders...be "enthusiast cars", modded and changed around to the extent like we've seen with even early 2000's models of these two vehicles.

Think about it...chock-full of complicated electronic systems controlling everything, engines that can't be easily worked on by a home mechanic beyond a certain point, gearboxes that you daren't touch because of computer controls, interiors of carefully molded plastics that can't really (without a lot of expense) be mucked around with too much...the list goes on. Not to mention the sheer number of ADR's and emissions laws a new car has to meet that mean even changing something simple can easily mean getting it defected off the road in one of the increasingly-strict blitzes the authorities have now.

That's why most "modified" new cars you see are restricted to wheels...maybe a subtle body kit, and possibly a change of paint colour with interior being limited to a better stereo. That's about as far as the vast majority of people go with new cars these days.
Basically, they're such good cars as-is, that most people only make a few cosmetic changes, if anything at all.

And that's why old cars will always be popular...

Modern cars can still be modified and driven daily (in fact you probably get more bang for you buck modifying a modern car, particularly if it has forced induction). It's just not a simply of bolting bits on and off the car. Car needs to be tuned (preferably on a dyno). It's relatively easy if the tuner has the right software to plug into the engine management system and start adjusting what ever you like, from fuel mixture, to what temperature you want the cooling fan to kick in, modern cars are infinitely more modifiable if done correctly/properly. It does however take it out of 99.9999% of home mechanics hands and relies on a 3rd party to do the work.

On the down side, more things can and do go wrong with it, simply because there is more "stuff" that can break, particularly when voodoo (electronics) is involved.

[HULK_I6T]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Yes it is superyob ....... well used and abused though but still scrubs OK

Your car looks sensational. As do some of the older fords in earlier posts. I enjoy these cars as much as you all do.

But surely these cars are no dailys. So rarely seen on the roads, seem to be driven only on special occasion by the owners, knowing parts are scarce.

Also Many of the older models wouldnt be taken care for as well as yours and others pictured in earlier posts. So they will slowly diminish in numbers over the years.

Most of the modern cars will be driven until the wheels fall off, (many of them almost there already). They will probably disappear before the older models.

We as falcodore enthusiasts are raiding the cookie jar without an ability to replenish. (After 2016)

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by f6_benito

Your car looks sensational. As do some of the older fords in earlier posts. I enjoy these cars as much as you all do.

But surely these cars are no dailys. So rarely seen on the roads, seem to be driven only on special occasion by the owners, knowing parts are scarce.

Also Many of the older models wouldnt be taken care for as well as yours and others pictured in earlier posts. So they will slowly diminish in numbers over the years.

Most of the modern cars will be driven until the wheels fall off, (many of them almost there already). They will probably disappear before the older models.

We as falcodore enthusiasts are raiding the cookie jar without an ability to replenish.

I know of plenty of B series that only get driven on special occasions too .... as well as some oldies being driven as daily's. True, I dont drive it everyday but I drive it alot!

When I started doing mine up years ago, I did not know 1 person who had a Landau. In fact, had not seen 1 for years.

NOW? Dime a dozen, see them everywhere, in fact they are popping out of the wood work.



Same as XY GT's ....... you do know that everyone in the scene has a chuckle that there are now 4 times more 'XY GT's' on the road today that was sold??

Some cars disappear, some come back into fashion. I wouldnt worry about the scene in my life time anyway!

[2011G6E]

Dead right Auslandau...they just keep popping up. With old Kingy utes, in my town I've discovered there's a guy who has a shed full of them. Another guy just keeps buying them...every time I go past, he's got another one, he's up to about four now, and a couple of Toranas. Another guy I work with has a shed chockers with XF Falcons of all types and also XB and XC's. He just keeps "finding them" through friends of friends who know someone who's got one for sale. It's all about contacts. He even calls XF's...even good Fairmonts..."carton of beer cars", they're so cheap to pick up.

If you could go back to the 70's and say to someone that well into the 21st century people will still be driving, modifying, and lusting after Landaus and XA/B/C whatever Falcons, they'd laugh at you and call you mad. Hell, if I went back to 1982 and told my 17 year old self that in the far future of 2013 I'd be driving one of those new Celicas that's just been released and it was in great condition, I'd have laughed...hard.

Trying to forecast the future is a black art...

[MrEL]

Someone has been drinking the bong water. Again...................

[Auslandau]

Any one who thinks things are dying in the car scene ..... or will in the near future should watch this. Last week, just a gathering of like minded people. Just look at all those Falcons and Commodores!!!!!!! DOOM, DOOM EVERYWHERE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVwIy9mtIFo Badly done ..... why you would talk to the coffee man for so long when there are cars to video!!!! Weird ... but gives you an idea. 2000 cars was expected. Alot more turned up!

[HULK_I6T]

Auslandau this looks like a civilised event

in sydney these sorts of events are usually attended by the highway patrol with the defect stick. As a result the nice cars now remain parked in the owners garages in fear. Everyone turns up in their daily drives but hoping to see hot cars. Lol

then there is the summernats. Who dares take a nice car there??, it will get stolen. Again and as as result the nice cars remain at home in the owners garage, kills the event and half the fun.

The demise of the falcodore??? Another act to stitch us up?

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by f6_benito

then there is the summernats. Who dares take a nice car there??

About 1700 automotive enthusiasts.

[jamies]

Originally Posted by f6_benito

Auslandau this looks like a civilised event

in sydney these sorts of events are usually attended by the highway patrol with the defect stick. As a result the nice cars now remain parked in the owners garages in fear. Everyone turns up in their daily drives but hoping to see hot cars. Lol

then there is the summernats. Who dares take a nice car there??, it will get stolen. Again and as as result the nice cars remain at home in the owners garage, kills the event and half the fun.

The demise of the falcodore??? Another act to stitch us up?

Rubbish I took my show car I had at the time to the summernats.. Nine other cars drove up, it was awesome cruising up the Hume in a convoy, two of the cars made best body work and best XY in the street driven class. If everyone was scared to take there cars out to festivals and car shows there'd be no car shows.

[Dash_XR]

Look at the VL following as an aussie example, there is allot more XR6 Turbos out there then VL's.

If anything scenes get more interesting once you can no longer buy the cars new.

[jamies]

Originally Posted by Dash_XR

Look at the VL following as an aussie example, there is allot more XR6 Turbos out there then VL's.

If anything scenes get more interesting once you can no longer buy the cars new.

My thought's exactly Dash, when I had my 68 XT and Esp's half the fun was searching for the hard to get bits,meeting the old fellas and enthusiasts who had cars tucked away in sheds and spare parts hidden.. I have met so many cool people over the years.

[Dash_XR]

Originally Posted by jamies

My thought's exactly Dash, when I had my 68 XT and Esp's half the fun was searching for the hard to get bits,meeting the old fellas and enthusiasts who had cars tucked away in sheds and spare parts hidden.. I have met so many cool people over the years.

Exactly, even with newer cars it's still fun searching for parts or getting something cheaper because you put the effort into looking for it. Not to mention meeting other owners of similar cars and getting ideas. I think nearly every cosmetic thing I've done to mine so far is second hand. I only buy new if it's an important piece of hardware or engine related.

There is so many Fords out there of all different persuasions , the hardest parts probably picking a model.

I'd love to drop all my running gear into an XR one day.

[Road Games]

I have been trying to get an X series all year but the owners want the earth for a rusted out 6 cyl let alone a refurbished model with a Clevo and all the fruit ???

I will just have to throw 100K at my B-series over the next 10 years i guess to keep it unique and a maintain that piece of history in my garage...

Happy Days ahead

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by 9sec Menace

I have been trying to get an X series all year but the owners want the earth for a rusted out 6 cyl let alone a refurbished model with a Clevo and all the fruit ???

I will just have to throw 100K at my B-series over the next 10 years i guess to keep it unique and a maintain that piece of history in my garage...

Happy Days ahead

you gotta look everywhere Dazzler

$680 one owner S Pack i'm getting round in popped up at one of those obscure little dec estate auctions



find a few auction houses that deal in dec estate job lots and stay in touch with them

[jpblue1000]

It would be interesting to find out which marque has the largest Car Club in Australia. Car club membership numbers may be a fair estimate of true enthusiasts and what car/manufacturer they support.
My thinking is an internet forum cant be classified as a club despite its similarities. there is no real way of knowing how many active members and especially paid up members it has. If you are prepared to pay to associate yourself with a ,marque you must be a true enthusiast.
I know the Alfa and Jaguar clubs are pretty big and the sporting car club in Adelaide is Australias Biggest (1600 Members) but they are a multi marque car club

JP

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

It would be interesting to find out which marque has the largest Car Club in Australia. Car club membership numbers may be a fair estimate of true enthusiasts and what car/manufacturer they support.
My thinking is an internet forum cant be classified as a club despite its similarities. there is no real way of knowing how many active members and especially paid up members it has. If you are prepared to pay to associate yourself with a ,marque you must be a true enthusiast.
I know the Alfa and Jaguar clubs are pretty big and the sporting car club in Adelaide is Australias Biggest (1600 Members) but they are a multi marque car club

JP

im sorry, i have nothing to with to do with any clubs and their petty nuances

i'm still an enthusiast



gratuitous old school pic for this page

[jpblue1000]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

im sorry, i have nothing to with to do with any clubs and their petty nuances

i'm still an enthusiast

No doubt mate, and perhaps for every falcon enthusiast not in a club there is a corresponding jaguar enthusiast also not on a club etc.
The topic has morphed into what is an enthusiast and are they actualy enthused about Falcons and commodores or do they just own them to get from A to B. And I cannot think of a better way of quantitatively defining what an enthusiast is, for the sake of this discussion.

JP

[homegrown]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

im sorry, i have nothing to with to do with any clubs and their petty nuances

i'm still an enthusiast

image

gratuitous old school pic for this page

Great pic. If I can find someone with a video player I still have footage of your car screaming at its limits from the 1st Gazzanats. Awesome.

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by homegrown

Great pic. If I can find someone with a video player I still have footage of your car screaming at its limits from the 1st Gazzanats. Awesome.

may be able scrounge a player Danny, get Xmas out of the ways and zip round shed de beige for a beer

[homegrown]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

If you are prepared to pay to associate yourself with a ,marque you must be a true enthusiast.

JP

Sorry usually off on a tangent but some Insurance companies agree with this too and offer discounts for being involved in a car club.

[homegrown]

If your willing to put that sort of coin into a car Bite the bullet and buy one. Chances are whatever you pay for one today it will only be worth more in years to come.

[Hawkeye84]

1950s All these kids and their Motown music
1960s All these young kids and their rock n roll music - they will never know what Motown
1970s All these kids and their disco music- they will never know Rock n Roll
1980s All these kids and their RNB music - They will never know what disco is
1990s All these kids ant their Rap music - Rap music will kill RNB
1995 All these kids and their Grunge music - etc etc

I know alot of people (Kids, young adults and older adults) who listen to the Beatles, Queen, Metallica, Oasis, Bloodhound gang, Tupac, Michael Buble, Boyz to Men, Mariah Carey, Bee Gees, Otis Reading, etc...

The sky isnt going to fall - Car enthusiast will be car enthusiasts and will like any car if it has cred. Falons and Commordores wont be forgotten and its up to US CAR ENTHUSIAST to remind everyone what once was - the good times!

If i met an old time Falcon owner and all he talked about (ALL THE TIME) was Ford dumping the falcon, crap i wouldnt care about his car - all i would think is that he was an old whinging man who always whinges, it would probably turn me off the car and what the ownership of a Ford is truly about

[superyob]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye84

1950s All these kids and their Motown music
1960s All these young kids and their rock n roll music - they will never know what Motown
1970s All these kids and their disco music- they will never know Rock n Roll
1980s All these kids and their RNB music - They will never know what disco is
1990s All these kids ant their Rap music - Rap music will kill RNB
1995 All these kids and their Grunge music - etc etc

I know alot of people (Kids, young adults and older adults) who listen to the Beatles, Queen, Metallica, Oasis, Bloodhound gang, Tupac, Michael Buble, Boyz to Men, Mariah Carey, Bee Gees, Otis Reading, etc...

The sky isnt going to fall - Car enthusiast will be car enthusiasts and will like any car if it has cred. Falons and Commordores wont be forgotten and its up to US CAR ENTHUSIAST to remind everyone what once was - the good times!

If i met an old time Falcon owner and all he talked about (ALL THE TIME) was Ford dumping the falcon, crap i wouldnt care about his car - all i would think is that he was an old whinging man who always whinges, it would probably turn me off the car and what the ownership of a Ford is truly about

Disco was a mid to late 70s movement. Seventies rock and roll was perfected by T.Rex, Slade, Kiss, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin to name just a few...

[Hawkeye84]

Originally Posted by superyob

Disco was a mid to late 70s movement. Seventies rock and roll was perfected by T.Rex, Slade, Kiss, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin to name just a few...

Yeah some of those are chronologically wrong - but the point still stands

[HULK_I6T]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye84

1950s All these kids and their Motown music
1960s All these young kids and their rock n roll music - they will never know what Motown
1970s All these kids and their disco music- they will never know Rock n Roll
1980s All these kids and their RNB music - They will never know what disco is
1990s All these kids ant their Rap music - Rap music will kill RNB
1995 All these kids and their Grunge music - etc etc

I know alot of people (Kids, young adults and older adults) who listen to the Beatles, Queen, Metallica, Oasis, Bloodhound gang, Tupac, Michael Buble, Boyz to Men, Mariah Carey, Bee Gees, Otis Reading, etc...

its not about if we will forget the falcon!! There wont be any to see!!

We cant compare music to cars, music doesnt rust, wear out with use, need maintenence and parts. It dont need to be replenished.

The fact is by Falcon stopping production, each year less and less falcons will exist, no new following of the brand/model will exist. Music, you just download a mp3.

Like I said earlier we will be raiding the falcodore cookie jar for years until the cookie jar is empty. How many Atari 2600s are out there? how many are being used? How many people care? its likely to be the same with the falcodore.

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by f6_benito

its not about if we will forget the falcon!! There wont be any to see!!

We cant compare music to cars, music doesnt rust, wear out with use, need maintenence and parts. It dont need to be replenished.

The fact is by Falcon stopping production, each year less and less falcons will exist, no new following of the brand/model will exist. Music, you just download a mp3.

Like I said earlier we will be raiding the falcodore cookie jar for years until the cookie jar is empty. How many Atari 2600s are out there? how many are being used? How many people care? its likely to be the same with the falcodore.

youre starting to dribble repetitive **** in your own thread

as per usual hulk

so what is your actual / real life experience of the classic scene

over the last say 20 - 25yrs to current

no boring bbq talk

[HULK_I6T]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

youre starting to dribble repetitive **** in your own thread

as per usual hulk

so what is your actual / real life experience of the classic scene

over the last say 20 - 25yrs to current

no boring bbq talk

to be honest I dont fully understand it. To pay massive overs for inferior old cars seems odd to me.

I searched through carsales just today and saw a 1988 Bentley 6.9L Turbo excellent condition with low km for $30k. 750nm at 2000rpm and over $400,000 when new. Noted as one of the best cars in the world at the time.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...?Cr=16&sdmvc=1

But then people are trying to sell XE ESP Fairmonth Ghias for $55k? they were under $20k brand new.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...?Cr=63&sdmvc=1

When you process what other cars that can be bought for this money, just makes little sense.

These sellers hope that most of the responses above are wrong.....that us enthusiasts dont dispurse following the demise of the falcodore, otherwise their bubble will pop and they are left holding an old car. Thats the downsize of being an enthusiast, they try get us on emotion.